—New spot alert: Yasemi, a modern Mediterranean restaurant, has officially opened its doors at River North’s Godfrey Hotel Chicago. It’s the latest venture from Soirée Hospitality Group (which is also behind ROOP Chicago, Bar Goa, and Monarch & Lion).
Located on the first floor of The Godfrey Hotel, Yasemi focuses on Greek cuisine as well as influences from Turkey, Italy and Spain. Yasemi’s menu highlights include spreads like whipped harissa feta and charred eggplant served with house-made and made-to-order pita or crudités; raw offerings such as cipura ceviche and bronzini crudo; mezze options such as grilled octopus, zucchini fritters, and cheese pies with truffle honey; kabobs such as chicken tzatziki avocado and shrimp harissa mayo with herbed rice pilaf; and larger plates like Aegean bronzini with fennel-turmeric sauce, braised lamb shank, and cauliflower bravas with thyme aioli and bravas sauce.
In addition, the curated wine list features selections from Greece, Lebanon, Italy and Spain, alongside local favorites from California.
—French twist: The French spot Venteux, located on the Mag Mile, has unveiled its winter menu.
Executive Chef Marcel Heiduk pulls inspiration from his heavily French-influenced hometown in southern Germany, adding twists to the restaurant’s French fare, including coq au vin and Dover sole. For example, the coq au vin features Heiduk cooking chicken legs in duck fat for five hours before pressing and searing them into patties; each confit chicken leg is plated with a seared chicken breast, mashed potatoes, pearl onions and bacon, with chicken jus.
Some of the other dishes include oysters au gratin, seared foie gras, trout almondine and moules-frites, with the latter featuring steamed mussels bathed in a delicate rosé and nduja broth.
—No loitering: Customers will no longer be able to visit a Starbucks for the bathroom or the Internet without buying something, according to Restaurant Business.
But those who do buy something can stay as long as they want. And anybody (not just Starbucks Rewards members) will be able to get free refills on coffee drinks starting Jan. 27. The company had implemented its open-door policy in 2018, following the arrest of two Black men at a Philadelphia location who hadn’t purchased anything.
—Harry on: Food Network has renewed Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking for a second season.
Juan Gutierrez—the out corporate pastry chef for Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants and executive pastry chef for the St. Regis Chicago—and The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group Director of Food & Beverage Chris Teixeira were the two Chicago competitors who were on the first season. (They were on separate two-person teams.) The series was hosted by James and Oliver Phelps, who played Fred and George Weasley in the Harry Potter movies.
—King of the grill: Adobo Grill is kicking off its tequila dinners in 2025 with a major announcement: The monthly dinners will now be held the last Thursday of each month.
January’s dinner will take place on Thursday, Jan. 30, and feature a three-course dinner, followed by dessert. Items will include Caldo Tlalpeño, a Mexican chicken soup with chayote, carrots and cilantro, paired alongside the classic adobo margarita, made with 100% agave Corazon, Gran Gala and fresh lime juice; the Flauta de Papa, a crispy potato taquito with sour cream and cheese, served with a Tequila Sunrise; tacos de puerco, with pork, onions, cilantro and chipotle salsa, with La Pila, a pineapple-infused Bribón tequila with coconut rum; and traditional vanilla flan, accompanied by caramel sauce.
Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m., and is priced at $59 per guest plus tax and gratuity. Visit the restaurant’s website or call 312-266-7999 to RSVP.
—King me: The River North spot Jake Melnick’s Corner Tap is holding an exclusive pop-up event featuring Food Network star Jeff Mauro, aka “The Sandwich King,” on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 6:30-8 p.m., to mark their collaboration.
There will be autograph signings and photo ops as well as complimentary samples of limited-edition Honey G Wings (crafted in partnership with Mauro Provisions). There will also be specialty drinks inspired by Jeff Mauro’s Chicago roots: the Honey G Malört Shot ($10) and the Jeff Mauro Handshake—Mauro’s favorite Chicago beer served with a Malört shot and a BBQ chip-dusted rim ($15).
This month-long collab between Jake Melnick’s and Mauro spotlights Honey G Wings and The Mauro Provisions Burger (a beef burger stacked with Mauro Provisions’ Chicago-style Italian pork, cheese, black powder rub and fried medium giardiniera).
—Wine and dine: Mon Ami Gabi’s Wine Passport Series returns on Saturday, Jan. 25, 1-3 p.m., kicking off the first event of 2025 with a “tour de monde.” Explore renowned wine regions around the globe as wine purveyors guide you through each sip. The reception-style event features passed bites to savor alongside the wine, banquette seating, and the option to order newfound favorites at the end of the event. Tickets are available for $55 per person (plus tax and 20% gratuity).
—Rock on: For the budget-minded, Hard Rock Cafe is offering a lunch special through Jan. 31.
Guests can enjoy two entrees for $25, available Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Options include Caesar salad with chicken or salmon; a classic burger with fries; a grilled chicken sandwich with fries; and the Southwestern chicken bowl.
That’s the news for this week. Be sure to come back next week for more tasty treats! Also, be sure to get more news (along with interviews and reviews) at SAVOR with Andrew.
—Pop life: Please don’t forget that I have another column called Pop-Eds. My latest article covers Tubi’s anti-trans ad, Chicago’s casino shortfall and much more. Check it all out at Andrew449.substack.com.